Savings
Split a deposit into equal CD rungs and use either regular maturity intervals or a separate term and APY for each rung.
Total value at first maturities
$57,694.00
Amount per rung
$10,000.00
Total modeled interest
$7,694.00
First maturity
1 yr
Final maturity
5 yr
Rung 1: 12 mo at 4.50%
$10,450.00
Rung 2: 24 mo at 4.60%
$10,941.16
Rung 3: 36 mo at 4.70%
$11,477.31
Rung 4: 48 mo at 4.80%
$12,062.72
Rung 5: 60 mo at 5.00%
$12,762.82
Result comparison
CD ladder maturity schedule
Detailed values use the same assumptions as the summary above.
| Rung | Term | APY | Principal | Interest | Maturity value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 yr | 4.5% | $10,000.00 | $450.00 | $10,450.00 |
| 2 | 2 yr | 4.6% | $10,000.00 | $941.16 | $10,941.16 |
| 3 | 3 yr | 4.7% | $10,000.00 | $1,477.31 | $11,477.31 |
| 4 | 4 yr | 4.8% | $10,000.00 | $2,062.72 | $12,062.72 |
| 5 | 5 yr | 5% | $10,000.00 | $2,762.82 | $12,762.82 |
Real CD rates, penalties, renewal terms and insurance coverage vary by institution and are not fetched by this calculator.
Calculation method
Each rung term equals the first term plus the interval multiplied by its position. Maturity value is allocation × (1 + APY)^(months/12).
Detailed guide
A CD ladder divides one deposit among certificates with staggered maturities. Use a regular interval with one planning APY or enter five real term-and-APY pairs from offers you have already verified.
Every rung receives an equal allocation. Results show the maturity value of each rung, which makes a non-flat yield curve visible without fetching live bank rates.
Each rung term equals the first term plus the interval multiplied by its position. Maturity value is allocation × (1 + APY)^(months/12).
The model assumes interest remains in the CD until maturity. It does not simulate renewal into a new longest-term rung after each maturity.
Decision guide
Google leaders explain ladder structure, term spacing, maturity proceeds, and reinvestment. A ladder spreads access dates and rate-reset opportunities; it does not guarantee that future CDs will offer the same yield as today.
Divide the deposit across maturity dates that match when money may be needed. This calculator uses equal dollar rungs but allows a separate term and APY for each one. Funds needed immediately should not be locked into the ladder.
The current rate can estimate the first cycle, while later renewals occur at unknown rates. Test lower and higher reinvestment cases. If every rung is assigned today’s long-term rate, the projection may overstate future earnings.
Record each maturity date, grace period, renewal instruction, and early-withdrawal rule. A missed window can automatically renew funds into an unsuitable term. Compare the blended result with a liquid account after considering access needs.
Save a baseline, then change only one input at a time: amount, rate, term, or recurring payment. Record the supporting outputs as well as the headline result—contributions, interest, total cost, remaining balance, or target date. This isolates the assumption that actually changes the decision instead of hiding it inside several simultaneous edits.
Do not tune every assumption until the calculator produces a preferred answer. Start with a cautious case, follow with a central case, and treat the favorable case as an upside scenario. A calculator result is not a lender quote, market forecast, or tax determination; actual dates, rounding, fees, contract rules, and required payments must be checked in primary documents.
Keep enough precision in the inputs and round only the output used for a decision. If the estimate supports a transaction, loan, tax calculation, or long-term plan, repeat it with figures from the contract or official statement. Any difference helps identify the assumption that still needs verification.
Custom mode gives every rung its own APY, so shorter and longer offers do not have to share one assumption.
Closing a rung early can trigger a penalty. Keep an emergency reserve outside the ladder if access may be needed.
A continuing ladder often reinvests each maturing rung at the longest term. Future renewal rates are unknown and not projected.
Choose a count and interval that match how often you want access. The calculator supports one to ten equal rungs.
Yes. Choose the custom setup and enter a separate term and APY for each of five rungs.
No. It shows the initial ladder through each first maturity only.
These primary sources explain the rules and concepts referenced by this calculator. The calculation itself uses only the assumptions entered above.
Updated: August 1, 2026
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